Mixed Fortunes For Ladies Teams

Another glorious day at Castlegarth meant the sun tan was once again needed a another good sized crowd in attendance as the ladies second team took on Rufforth. Both sides have four points from their opening games so a tight contest was expected. However the visitors suffered a blow following a late withdrawal which meant they could only field 2 pairs and therefore conceded 36 points straight away.

However fair play to a good remaining quartet from Rufforth who made the home side look nervously at the scoreboard during the sun filled afternoon.

Sue Yoward and Sarah Skidmore formed a useful duo with Yoward part of the all conquering Rufforth winter league side that wee unbeaten in securing the title during the Winter. They however were narrow 7-5 losers against the impressive Abel’s with mum and daughter combination Jill and Emma proving too good for a 7-5 success. Kate Lewis and Christine Edmond were arguably even stronger and despite the Wetherby pair battling manfully could not prevent Rufforth winning 4-8. Jill and Emma were able to pocket 23 points .

Rachel Butterworth and Louise Williams continued their partnership but were to find the Rufforth ladies difficult to manage. Despite their best efforts in the heat it was evident that the visiting ladies were used to playing mixed doubles higher up the pyramid and they proved a little too classy. The Wetherby duo took 17 points to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Captain Fiona Chantrey teamed up with Ann Jones who stepped up from the third team to absence and injury. They too found themselves under pressure but enjoyed the strong tennis on show and were certainly up for the challenge. They also took 17 points which gave the hosts a narrow but welcome 57-51 overall success.

Three wins from five now looks a good start to the season following last year’s promotion and although Wetherby were fortunate to benefit from Rufforth player misfortune it should give the team confidence that they are more than capable of retaining their Division Two status. Well done today and the team are back in action next Friday when they visit Wiggington.

From left to right Louise Williams, Ann Jones, Fiona Chantrey and Rachel Butterworth enjoying tea following their hard fought win and backed by a couple of young supporters!

The first team were in action earlier when they travelled in the morning to Pocklington. Conditions were tricky on the artificial courts with a beach like surface on a damp court meaning balls were not bouncing particular well. In fairness the home team played extremely well and led throughout.

Home duo Rebecca Hill and Victoria Bland were top scorers with a very impressive 30 points closely followed on 28 by Ruth Hill and Carlie Cavill and when you see three 11-1 scores against our strong looking squad you can imagine the strength of the hosts today!

Sue Perkins commented after that they were stuffed twice really, once on court and a second time after an impressive lunch which at least was a light hearted approach to a difficult morning!!. The final score line was 75-33 and there were positives to take from the performance but ultimately it was credit to a very good home team on this occasion. The ladies host Bishopthorpe next Saturday at Scott Lane looking to bounce back and we wish the well there.